‘Clumps of youths’ could have new place to go amid multi-million plans

The youth hub is expected to reduce antisocial behaviour

A “safe, inclusive and inspiring” city youth hub which is expected to reduce antisocial behaviour levels has taken a step forward. The £13 million ‘Youth Zone’ in Peterborough would be located on the city’s Embankment.

Peterborough City Council’s Cabinet has now approved the next stage of the scheme, which will see £410,000 of council funding set aside to help progress designs. The scheme is being developed by OnSide, a national youth charity.

Once built, the Youth Zone could offer over 20 different activities with facilities including a sports hall, boxing ring, dance studio, sensory room, arts and craft, fitness, performing arts, and a wellbeing room.

Councillor Christian Hogg said youth services are “not where we would like them to be right now” due to “lack of investment in youth services”. He said: “That has led to young people having very little to do and what that means is you have clumps and groups of youths on the street.

“Some of that does unfortunately lead to some antisocial behaviour but also a perception with older members of the community where they feel intimidated by groups of youths on the streets.”

Data shared during the Cabinet meeting, which is sourced from the charity, states that on average, 70 per cent of youth zone users report feeling happier and healthier.

Additionally, 75 per cent of local businesses said their town was a “better place to do business in”. The data reports that between 50 and 75 per cent of reported antisocial behaviour is reduced as a result of a youth zone.

OnSide currently run 15 similar facilities across the country. Members of the city council went to visit one of youth hubs in Barnsley recently.

Cllr Katy Cole, cabinet member for children and young people, said it was vital the council “jump” at the chance to build the hub. She added: “Visiting the Youth Hub [in Barnsley] was truly mind blowing in the offer we could have here in the city.

“The fact it provides enhanced youth opportunities, the space was fully inclusive, it was young and vibrant and is going to be something that if we we are lucky enough to have it in the city, the 58,000 children we have in the city are really going to benefit from.”

Cllr Numan Ali Iqbal, cabinet member for growth and regeneration, said: “The proposed Youth Zone would create a safe inclusive and inspiring space for young people aged 8 to 19, and up to 25 for those with additional needs, offering opportunities for sport, recreation, skills development, mentoring and well being support.”

“The facility is proposed to be situated on the Embankment and has the potential to become a transformational community asset helping to improve life changes, reducing inequalities and provide positive opportunities for young people across the city.”

Cllr Hogg added: “I think this is absolutely what we should be getting behind.”